POSTIES are threatening to strike over planned changes to working practices.

A new system means workers can be ordered to stay on if they finish their rounds early.

It is being trialled to deal with staff absences at Colchester sorting office.

There were reports of booing and banging on tables when the move, designed to reduce overtime payments, was announced to 300 delivery workers.

Unions have agreed to go along with the trial today and tomorrow, as the start of the week sees a lighter workload at the Eastgates office, which serves the whole of the CO postcode area.

However, a wildcat strike may be launched on Saturday if managers perservere.

One postman, who refused to be named, told the Gazette: “I work hard and when I have finished walking the streets for three-and-a-half hours with a heavy pack, I am ready to go home.

“If they force me to do extra, I will refuse, and I think plenty of others will do the same.”

The changes come at a time when there are plans to axe 50 jobs at the site, with routes redesignated.

Saturday’s planned strike could see workers completing half-shifts, coming in to sort the mail but leaving it undelivered.

The postman added: “I enjoy my work and meeting the customers, but I am afraid people will end up resenting us as standards will continue to decline.”

Royal Mail spokesman Nick Martens said: “Staff are simply being asked to work the hours they are paid for, as per our agreement with the union in 2007.

“It is totally untrue that anyone is forced to do overtime.”